King County Sheriff's Office, Washington
End of Watch Friday, March 7, 1952
Add to My HeroesNorman F. Silkworth
Deputy Silkworth was shot and killed when he and three other deputies responded to a robbery call at the Inglewood Golf and Country Club. Several suspects had tied up several employees and robbed them. One of the employees was able to free himself and went to his office to retrieve his handgun and call the police.
When the deputies arrived the victim thought it was the robbers returning and opened fire, striking Deputy Silkworth three times, killing him. Two of the other deputies were wounded.
The employee pled guilty to manslaughter and received a deferred sentence as long as he never possessed a firearm again. Five men and three women were charged with the burglary. Four of the suspects were never apprehended.
Deputy Silkworth had served with the agency for 14 months. He was survived by his wife.
Bio
- Age 26
- Tour 1 year, 2 months
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun; .45 caliber
- Offender Not available
Most Recent Reflection
View all 12 ReflectionsDeputy Silkworth's death set a precedent for the safety of officers in similar future situations. When out of the patrol car ALWAYS wear your uniform hat. According to the critique of this incident Deputy Silkworth was not wearing his hat when he was sighted by the shooter and mistakenly identified as a suspect.
Major Dick Kraske
King County Sheriff's Department
March 7, 2019
Recent LODD Deaths
Detention Officer Isaiah Bias
Ellis County Sheriff's Office, TX
EOW: December 16, 2024
Sergeant Elio Diaz
Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: December 15, 2024
Sergeant Rick Finley
McNairy County Sheriff's Office, TN
EOW: December 14, 2024
Police Officer Jacob Candanoza
Terrell Police Department, TX
EOW: December 8, 2024
Detective Allan Reddins
Oak Park Police Department, IL
EOW: November 29, 2024
Police Officer Jesse Branch
Red Lake Nation Police Department, TR
EOW: November 27, 2024
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Joseph Love
United States Department of Homeland Security - Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, US
EOW: October 19, 2024
Police Officer Cooper Dawson
Greenville Police Department, TX
EOW: November 26, 2024
Deputy Sheriff Ignacio "Dan" Diaz
Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, FL
EOW: November 25, 2024